Paul Dooley Jr. sworn in to Ambler Borough Council seat

District Judge Patricia Zaffarano administers the oath of office to new Ambler Borough Council member Paul Dooley as his mother holds the Bible during council’s April 2 meeting. Photo by Eric Devlin/Journal Register News Service.

AMBLER — Paul Dooley Jr. was sworn in as the newest member of Ambler Borough Council during its April 2 meeting.

Dooley took the oath of office before the meeting began before District Judge Patricia Zaffarano, with his mother holding the Bible he placed his hand on.

The 28-year-old Dooley is filling the seat of the late George Pasceri, who died Feb. 8 at the age of 79.

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Dooley served once before on council for three and a half years, beginning in 2006. Dooley stepped down in May 2009 to fulfill his duties with the Marine Corps Reserve by serving in Iraq.

A Mattison Avenue resident, Dooley is one of the youngest council members ever to serve, Mayor Bud Wahl had said in 2009 when Dooley gave up his seat. During his previous time on council, Dooley served on the public safety and parks and recreation committees and was vice president of the council.

“I’m glad to be back,” Dooley said after the meeting. “I wish it were under different circumstances. I was friends with George , I’m going to miss him. I’m happy to be back to serve the community.”

Pasceri’s seat on council was vacant for more than a month after his death before council took resumes from anyone interested in serving. Council approved Dooley’s application during its March 20 meeting.

In March, Borough Manager Mary Aversa said Dooley had approximately seven months left on his original term before he was forced to step down.

“He looked for an opportunity to finish his term,” she said at the time as to why he decided to throw his name into the running to fill the vacant seat.

She said Pasceri was a mentor to Dooley when the two worked together on council.

Dooley will remain on council until November, when the seat is up for election.